September 28

 

Who Is Least Among You
Today's Gospel: Luke 9:46-50



Today's Gospel: Luke 9:46-50
(Who Is Least Among You)


"And an argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But when Jesus perceived the thought of their hearts, he took a child and put him by his side, and said to them, 'Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me; for he who is least among you all is the one who is great.' John answered, 'Master, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow with us.' But Jesus said to him, 'Do not forbid him; for he that is not against you is for you.'"

Reflection:

The disciples argued over who was greatest; doesn’t this sound familiar? We all do this, don’t we? Best salesperson of the month. Who is the Best manager in a company? At some jobs and companies, who is #1 this month? Isn’t this the way the world keeps score? Here’s where things get real: Jesus took a child and flipped the script. The least become the greatest. Wait… what???

Let’s be clear, I'm not against success. Let’s see this in the much clearer perspective: it is God who blessed you with your success. Now use your drive, your goals, your dreams, and your success to serve Him; let’s not be so selfish. God first, and then others come next. We really should live like this no matter what we have. "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves" (2 Corinthians 4:7). Our success was never ours to begin with; everything belongs to Jesus.

My own goal is simpler than any title: a life lived Beneath the Standard of Mary, always pointing everyone back to her Son. That's the heart behind our Rosary Makers ministry, hands busy making something special that leads someone else into prayer. It's the heart behind being a devout husband, a good father, and a grandfather. The kind of legacy that outlives you.

This week, notice where you're still angling for the higher seat, at work, at home, even in your own head. Sometimes we pat ourselves on the back just a little too much. Then ask yourself honestly: am I kneeling before Jesus, or am I still stepping over him on my way to the front of the room? Don’t be that person.


Rosary Man Jim 🌹
Freely given. Freely shared.

Location: Tonawanda, NY 14150, USA

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